PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has appointed Vice Admiral Rommel A. Supangan as the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Malacañang said on Monday.
Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro announced the appointment during a press briefing, saying Mr. Supangan would succeed retired Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
Mr. Supangan assumed the post on Monday afternoon following a change-of-command ceremony at the PCG headquarters in the Port Area, Manila.
“He will replace Retired Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and will continue the mandate of the Philippine Coast Guard to safeguard our shores, and ensure safety and security within our maritime jurisdictions,” Ms. Castro said in Filipino.
Mr. Supangan is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s Marilag Class of 1995. He earned a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, majoring in Marine Environment and Ocean Management, from the World Maritime University in Sweden in 2008.
Before his appointment, Mr. Supangan served as commander of the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Command from February to October 2026.
He also served as commander of the Coast Guard Fleet from June 2025 to October 2026 and as acting director of the Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center from June 2025 to February 2026.
Mr. Supangan received the Philippine Military Academy Cavalier Award for Coast Guard Operations in the senior officer category, among other recognitions. — Pexcel John Bacon